Winners of the 2021 Design of the Year Contest^Featured

January 20, 2022

By Danielle Schroeder

Congratulations to the Chief Architect Design of the Year Winners!

6 Comments

Customer Stories, Featured Customers

An Interior Designer and World Traveler^Featured

November 11, 2021

By Danielle Schroeder

Well-traveled designer, Judi Lee-Carr, settles in the United States and launches her business. She shares her journey becoming an Interior Designer and how Chief Architect helps her business thrive.

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Contest Winners, Customer Stories, Design Contest, Featured Customers, Featured Students, Industry News, Stories

Chief Architect Interior Design Student Wins Gold Medal in National Competition^Featured

November 4, 2021

A Chief Architect rendering of the living and dining room area in Hallie O'Higgins design.

Author, Kerry Hansen by Kerry Hansen

Hallie O’Higgins, a senior at Boerne-Champion High School in Boerne, Texas earned a gold medal in a national Interior Design competition. This year the event, put on by the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), took place in Nashville, TN.

Hallie has been involved with the interior design program at Champion High School since her freshman year. She was first introduced to Chief Architect during her sophomore year. Hallie credits her love for architecture and design to Chief Architect. “Once I began using the software, I discovered a love for architecture. Designing functional floor plans and decorating multiple spaces became so enjoyable with the Chief Architect software.”

2 Comments

Chief & News, Experts in the Field, Industry News, Original Research

What AI is Saying about Chief Architect

March 23, 2023

The front exterior elevation of a modern home with a shed roofs

Author, Kerry Hansen by Kerry Hansen & Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere right now and being in the tech industry, we wanted to see what it had to say about Chief Architect Software so we asked ChatGPT, “Why should I buy Chief Architect Software?” and these results which came up in a matter of minutes.

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Contest Winners, Events

2023 Design Contest Winners

March 23, 2023

Modern kitchen space with a warm color palette

By Danielle Schroeder

Chief Architect has monthly contests for customers to show off their work. People with various backgrounds and styles compete in the following categories: Kitchen/Bath and Interior, Residential, and Remodel/Addition. Please help us congratulate the winners!

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Industry News

Designing Your Dream Home? Top 5 Reasons You Need Home Design Software

March 22, 2023

3D rendering of a Mediterraneanhome with pool

Derek's Profile Image by Derek Pedersen

Are you ready to start designing your dream home? With the right home design software, it doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Use advanced tools to bring your vision to life and ensure you stick to a budget. Home design software will automate the design process making it efficient and easy for you to navigate each step of the way. Keep reading to discover five key reasons to consider using home design software when planning your next home project.

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Design Contest, Events

Design Contest – Residential

March 21, 2023

Modern exterior home rendering with hip roof and blue accents.

Chief Architect Design Contests are a fun way to share your designs, build credibility and expose your brand. Share one of your Residential Designs for a chance to win Chief Gear. Use any Chief Architect or Home Designer software product to create your original design.

7 Comments

Contest Winners, Customer Stories, Design Contest, Experts in the Field, Featured Customers, Stories

Designing Custom Homes: An Intricate Puzzle with a Few Surprises

March 9, 2023

The exterior rendering of a large home with grand entrance, stone work, and wooden shutters.

Author, Kerry Hansen by Kerry Hansen

Karen Hamilton has been a Chief Architect Home Designer customer since the early 1990s, designing custom homes in the greater Houston and Upper Texas coast since 1978. Recently, Karen won an international design contest, and her tool of choice is Home Designer Professional.

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Design Contest, Events

Design Contest – Kitchen/Bath & Interiors

February 21, 2023

Chief Architect Design Contests are a fun way to share your designs, build credibility and expose your brand. Share one of your Kitchen/Bath or Interior Designs for a chance to win Chief Gear. Use any Chief Architect or Home Designer software product to create your original design.

Enter:

Email a single image, 360° image, or video of your design to submissions@chiefarchitect.com
Include your name, company information, and the software you used.
Describe your design and planning process for your submission, including any background information about the project.

8 Comments

Chief & News, Tips & Techniques

Design Options in Chief Architect

February 13, 2023

A house designed in Chief Architect Premer with design options.

Phillip Gibney Profile Image by Phillip Gibney

Design options are choices provided to the client that offers variations in design concepts. Design options can range from design styles, floor plan layouts, and elevations, to material finishes, interior selections, and more. Using the tools in Chief Architect Premier, you can help clients visualize design options to ensure they are satisfied with a home design and provide upsell opportunities.

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Contest Winners, Events

Winners of the 2022 Design of the Year Contest

January 17, 2023

Design of the year winners, collage of each winning design

By Danielle Schroeder

Congratulations to the Chief Architect Design of the Year Winners!

3 Comments

Experts in the Field, Industry News, Original Research, Tips & Techniques

How to Choose an Interior Designer

January 12, 2023

A rendering of a living room with two sofas, a piano, and the view of the kitchen in the next room.

Author, Kerry Hansen by Kerry Hansen

Interior Designers understand the client’s needs, lifestyle, and design style. They are architects for interiors, designing all aspects of additions and renovations in addition to creating a cohesive look through the fabric, furniture, and color selections. Is there something about your space that makes life difficult? Designers can bring functionality to an otherwise clumsy or problematic area of the home.

Deciding to update your interior is an exciting time! It can also be overwhelming. Finding the right interior designer is the key to enjoying the process and its outcome. Here are five tips for finding a designer perfect for you, your home, and your style.

1 Comment

Design Contest, Events

2022 Chief Architect Design of the Year Contest Finalists

November 22, 2022

Chief Architect Design of the Year Contest. Contemporary Kitchen Rendering

By Danielle Schroeder

Chief Architect holds monthly design contests for customers to show off their work throughout the year. Designers with different backgrounds and design styles go head-to-head in the Kitchen/Bath & Interior, Remodel/Addition, and Residential categories.

2 Comments

About Chief Architect

Chief Architect Software is a leading developer and publisher of 3D architectural home design software for builders, designers, architects and home DIY enthusiasts.
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What Our Customers Are Saying

20 years!
We are a residential design-build firm in Minneapolis Area. We have been designing additions, renovations, and new construction in our area for over 20 years. Chief Architect has made our design practice stand out. It is a great tool for… Read more “20 years!”
Ryan Muonio
Woodcraft Design Build Inc.
Chief Architect’s 3D Viewer Mobile App
We had one client who took his home model and projected it onto his lot in the mountains using Chief Architect’s 3D Viewer mobile app. While using the Augmented Reality feature he was able to walk around his home and get… Read more “Chief Architect’s 3D Viewer Mobile App”
Steve Johnsen
HOME Custom Design
Chief Architect has been invaluable!
We use Chief Architect through the entire design and planning process here at Spectrum Design Group. Having a tool that allows us to “walk” our clients through their renovation in 3-D and incorporate actual specified materials and finishes ensures that… Read more “Chief Architect has been invaluable!”
Cory Rodeheaver
Spectrum Design Group
Great job Chief Architect team!
I’ve had great results using this software. I started with Home Designer Pro and then moved to Chief Architect Premier. I really like the way the software is set up, it’s much easier to use than other products. My clients… Read more “Great job Chief Architect team!”
Scott Johnson
Cedar Ridge Remodeling Co. LLC
Absolutely Indispensable!
We use Chief Architect every single day and it is an absolutely indispensable part of our business. The ability to show a client, with extreme accuracy, what a space will look like before the work has even begun is everything.
Robby & Lisa Griffin
Robby & Lisa Griffin Design
Fantastic tool
Easy to use and understand with great tutorials. A worthwhile investment.
Raefer Reardon
Reardon Construction
Powerful and Easy-To-Use Tools
I have worked in other BIM software before, but Chief Architect makes it easier to put my concepts into drawings, and I can spend more time creating instead of fighting with obscure tools and interfaces. The powerful but easy-to-use tools… Read more “Powerful and Easy-To-Use Tools”
Ethan Smith
Student
We built our dream home!
It took me two years to design and exactly one year to build our dream home. With the help of Chief Architect, we were able to see our vision come to life. With a custom home, we had to provide… Read more “We built our dream home!”
Michael S Burt
homeowner designer
Happy
Happy two have 2 licenses now just have to figure out physically based rendering my video card, and pc are above requirements but still grainy
Alessio Sidoni
Using Chief since ver 7
Iv been using Chief since ver 7, I also have ver8. It took me a couple days to figure out where every thing was..but Im loving it. My first building is a pole barn..I wish this ver had a way… Read more “Using Chief since ver 7”
Keith L. Dobson
Aspen Construction Co., Inc.
I love Chief Architect… It allows me, as well as many others, to truly succeed
I was the only drafter-designer using Chief Architect in Southern California, or at least it felt that way. I was beating my competitors 99 times out of 100. Customers would always choose me because I could provide 3D renderings. I love Chief Architect…… Read more “I love Chief Architect… It allows me, as well as many others, to truly succeed”
David Michael Theis
David Michael Designs
Bridging the Gap between 2D planning and 3D Rendering
Every time we are able to walk our clients through their future home or project with the Chief Architect 3D Software, it’s a success. Many of our clients are not visual. Chief helps bridge the gap between the 2D floor… Read more “Bridging the Gap between 2D planning and 3D Rendering”
Luke Sippel
Lake and Land Studio, LLC
Chief Change of Purchasing Model
I’ve owned license to use Chief Architect from version X1 and before. Now have 8 legal copies and I probably will settle on a different company for future upgrades or programs as we don’t like subscriptions. We rent nothing as… Read more “Chief Change of Purchasing Model”
Kevin Lee Waldron
Waldron & Sons, Fortress Builders, Inc. and a number of others
Best Architectural Software!
I’ve been using Chief Architect for over 10 years and would not choose anything else. Other design software just doesn’t compare to Chief, it is by far the best. It is built with ease and simplicity in mind, no need… Read more “Best Architectural Software!”
Cody Corbin
Drafting & Design Solutions
A Game Changer
Chief Architect has been a game-changer for me, it offers a very efficient workflow with an output that makes my clients feel individual. The documents look crafted and relate to the project, not generic. Chief covers the whole spectrum from… Read more “A Game Changer”
Philip Hurdwell
PJH Design
Chief Architect does it all! It is the bread and butter of my business.
“I haven’t had to look for any other programs when it comes to designing. Chief Architect does it all! I think my business is a Chief Architect success story in itself. It is the bread and butter of my business, and without… Read more “Chief Architect does it all! It is the bread and butter of my business.”
Cortney Smith
Torgy's Home Design
I think it – Chief allows me to design it
I’ve been using Chief Architect since 2002 – and the program has continued to improve dramatically over the years. The improvements have always reduced drafting time while allowing the design process to flow and be inspired – not hindered –… Read more “I think it – Chief allows me to design it”
Robert Smith
Robert Smith Design
Great for Residential Design
I think Chief Architect is a large component of my success in Residential Design
Sean Bulman
Bulman Designs
Chief Render
I have been using Chief Architect design software for 23 years now. I and my clients really love this program. It is a great tool for communication between the designer and the client.
We design and produce plans from… Read more “Chief Render”
Donald Corbin
Blue Hawaii Designs
Great Software – Tutorials need a bit of TLC
I love the software. It’s very capable and the expert knowledge built in is very helpful. I learned to use it by completing all of the tutorials. There were a few places where the lessons didn’t match the UI. I… Read more “Great Software – Tutorials need a bit of TLC”
Robert Earl
This program changed my career.
I started using Chief Architect as just to show interior room concepts but it has grown to producing full exterior views and selling more then just interiors but selling full build concepts. I work with a builder and our business… Read more “This program changed my career.”
Janel joppie
buildanddesign.net
Chief Architect Software is by far the best and most useful program
I have been using and operating CAD programs for over 30+ years and in my opinion, the Chief Architect Software is by far the best and most useful program for my needs as an Architect that designs and builds all… Read more “Chief Architect Software is by far the best and most useful program”
Craig D McClatchey, AIA
D&G Construction
GREAT Software program that lets me be fast and work with 2D and 3D simultaneously!
I have been using Chief Architect for such a long time. In this kind of business, we need to be fast and work with 2D and 3D simultaneously, and Chief Architect is just a GREAT Software program that does both.… Read more “GREAT Software program that lets me be fast and work with 2D and 3D simultaneously!”
Javier Montenegro
d.SGN SMITH Studio
Kudos for making the student a priority
Students have asked about Chief Architect more than any of our other programs. I use it at the end of the semester because if I used it in the beginning, I would never get them to move on to other… Read more “Kudos for making the student a priority”
Karen Armstrong
Watkins Glen Central School District
Our favorite software
Our favorite software. I have been using chief for about 6 years now, I believe I started in x4. Chief was the clear choice for architectural design and plan sets, with its import and export into other CAD and BIM-based… Read more “Our favorite software”
James Daoust
Daoust Design and Construction
Fun, intuitive, user-friendly
You don’t have to be an architect to learn Chief Architect. The software yields impressive professional project results within a fairly short time. The many built-in options provide the user with the tools to try different styles on a wide… Read more “Fun, intuitive, user-friendly”
Veronica Sloboda
LAS Design
Excellent software, I have been using it for years.
This is a powerful software. I have been using various versions and levels of it for roughly 20 years now. We are a small custom cabinet and remodeling company that uses the rendering capabilities to show our customers what their… Read more “Excellent software, I have been using it for years.”
Kyle Glassgow
Nu-Life Cabinets & Renovations
Thank you Chief Architect for a great program.
Since we have been using Chief Architect, we have been able to give our customers a complete visual of what we proposed for their project, as well as, boost our credibility, our sales, and our overall profit for all projects… Read more “Thank you Chief Architect for a great program.”
Jason Crawford
Nebraska Handyman
Thank you, Chief Architect!!!
I use Chief Architect software exclusively in my design business. I started out with CA Home Designer Pro, used that for two years, then “graduated” to the full-blown Chief Architect software. The structure and platform of all their products is… Read more “Thank you, Chief Architect!!!”
William Haigh
William Haigh Design
Instantly fell in love…
I instantly fell in love with the easy to learn, user-friendly interface, and the details it was capable of capturing. My clients have been very happy with their design, the process, and the finished product.
Abe Neufeld
Abe Neufeld Design
A very powerful tool
I am an interior design professional who has been using Chief Architect software for my business since 2010. The software is a very powerful tool I use on all my projects and allows me to create detailed plans, elevations and… Read more “A very powerful tool”
Kirsten Dumo
Satterberg Desonier Dumo Interior Design, Inc.
Invaluable Asset
From the start, Chief has become an invaluable asset to my company and design work. I am truly grateful for this software and am so glad that I had given it a try.
Giuseppe Rispoli
Rispoli Design & Build, LLC
The rendering quality and user-friendliness are unmatched!
I have been using Chief Architect since 2015 and have used a few other software programs in the past, but the rendering quality and user-friendliness are unmatched! This software helps clients truly envision their project coming to life, and helps… Read more “The rendering quality and user-friendliness are unmatched!”
Savanna Beyer
Twenty One Design
State-of-the-Art Virtual Reality
I’ve found that Chief Architect really helps the clients that have a hard time visualizing what their finished project will look like.
Vincent Livingston
Livingston Designs
3D CAD design made easy
Chief Architect Software makes 3D CAD design so easy. I can render with a push of a button. Other software makes the process much more difficult and complicated. This is the second CAD software I’ve learned, and I definitely won’t… Read more “3D CAD design made easy”
Hayden Bolin
Tracy’s Custom Home Designs
A Magical Tool!
This has quite literally changed my business, by showing clients what their space will look like before it is built is a magical tool.
Gabriele Pizzale
Pizzale Design Inc.
Architectural Design-from concept to building permit
I use Chief Architect for design, presentation, and final permit drawings. For residential design and small commercial, there is nothing that matches or exceeds. The work on my site is a direct reflection of its capabilities. I adjust and applied… Read more “Architectural Design-from concept to building permit”
Paul M Mandrish
IDS+
Lifeblood of my business
I love the capabilities that Chief Architect has over all other design software! I am able to create floor plans, electrical plans, schedules, elevations, and RENDERINGS very fast (plus so much more)!! This tool allows me to give my clients… Read more “Lifeblood of my business”
Jasmine Galle
Social Soul Studio
The Student’s Key to Success
I chose to use Chief Architect [for interior design school] specifically because of its ease of use on the interface, great tutorial videos, alignment with NKBA graphic standards, and the convenience of creating all deliverables from 2D plans to specification… Read more “The Student’s Key to Success”
Payal Thakkar
Will pay for itself in one job!
I have been using Chief Architect since late 2005. As I tell everyone who is interested in doing 3D design, Chief Architect is the best way to go. It is a powerful program, easy to learn and use, is at… Read more “Will pay for itself in one job!”
Mark Supanchick
3D Spaceplans
Chief Architect Software helps clients visualize the proposed designs.
Not only does Chief Architect Software create beautiful renderings, but it is imperative that I can also create drawings that are clean and straightforward for our contractors to reference on-site. Every client is so impressed with the renderings Chief Architect… Read more “Chief Architect Software helps clients visualize the proposed designs.”
Judi Lee-Carr
Jubilee Interiors
Total no brainer
Renting the program has made the commitment to Chief a total no brainer … I am among many designers that find the program not only profitable but fun to use.
Brian Farris
Farris Construction
The best home design software we’ve ever used!
The best home design software we’ve ever used! Finally, a program that works or “thinks” like a designer as opposed to a program for the manufacturer of boxes or materials. Great quality renderings too.
Mark Cobucci
Dovetail Kitchen, Bath & Home Inc
By far the best decision I could have ever made!
I switched from another program to Chief Architect 11 months ago, and it was by far the best decision I could have ever made. I am so much happier working on plans now, and my work quality improves daily. My… Read more “By far the best decision I could have ever made!”
Roy Shurling
Roy G Shurling, PA Residential Design
Featured
- Winners of the 2021 Design of the Year Contest January 20, 2022
- An Interior Designer and World Traveler November 11, 2021
- Chief Architect Interior Design Student Wins Gold Medal in National Competition November 4, 2021
- Design Contest February 21, 2023
- Creating Beauty out of the Ordinary January 4, 2021
- How to Prepare for a Chief Architect Training Class May 18, 2020
- Catalog Partner Program Brings Brands to your Fingertips November 3, 2020
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3D Home Design 3d library 360 image additions architecture bathroom Bathroom Design chief academy Chief Architect chief architect software construction industry contest winner design Design Build design contest design of the year contest drafting events farmhouse floor plan home design home designer home designer professional home design software interior design kitchen kitchen design living room manufacturer modern NKBA NKBA's Design Competition open concept professional Remodel remodeling rendering Residential Residential Design sample plan student student competition training winner Women in Business

What AI is Saying about Chief Architect

Designing Your Dream Home? Top 5 Reasons You Need Home Design Software

Design Contest - Residential

Designing Custom Homes: An Intricate Puzzle with a Few Surprises

Design Options in Chief Architect

Congratulations to the Chief Architect Design of the Year Winners!

Well-traveled designer, Judi Lee-Carr, settles in the United States and launches her business. She shares her journey becoming an Interior Designer and how Chief Architect helps her business thrive.

Hallie O’Higgins, a senior at Boerne-Champion High School in Boerne, Texas earned a gold medal in a national Interior Design competition. This year the event, put on by the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), took place in Nashville, TN.

Chief Architect Design Contests are a fun way to share your designs, build credibility and expose your brand. Share one of your Residential Designs for a chance to win Chief Gear. Use any Chief Architect or Home Designer software product to create your original design.

Chief Architect Design Contests are a fun way to share your designs, build credibility and expose your brand. Share one of your Kitchen/Bath or Interior Designs for a chance to win Chief Gear. Use any Chief Architect or Home Designer software product to create your original design.

Congratulations to the Chief Architect Design of the Year Winners!

Chief Architect holds monthly design contests for customers to show off their work throughout the year. Designers with different backgrounds and design styles go head-to-head in the Kitchen/Bath & Interior, Remodel/Addition, and Residential categories.

About Chief Architect

Connect With Us

What Our Customers Are Saying

20 years!

Chief Architect’s 3D Viewer Mobile App

Chief Architect has been invaluable!

Great job Chief Architect team!

Absolutely Indispensable!

Fantastic tool

Powerful and Easy-To-Use Tools

We built our dream home!

Happy

Using Chief since ver 7

I love Chief Architect… It allows me, as well as many others, to truly succeed

Bridging the Gap between 2D planning and 3D Rendering

Chief Change of Purchasing Model

Best Architectural Software!

A Game Changer

Chief Architect does it all! It is the bread and butter of my business.

I think it – Chief allows me to design it

Great for Residential Design

Chief Render

Great Software – Tutorials need a bit of TLC

This program changed my career.

Chief Architect Software is by far the best and most useful program

GREAT Software program that lets me be fast and work with 2D and 3D simultaneously!

Kudos for making the student a priority

Our favorite software

Fun, intuitive, user-friendly

Excellent software, I have been using it for years.

Thank you Chief Architect for a great program.

Thank you, Chief Architect!!!

Instantly fell in love…

A very powerful tool

Invaluable Asset

The rendering quality and user-friendliness are unmatched!

State-of-the-Art Virtual Reality

3D CAD design made easy

A Magical Tool!

Architectural Design-from concept to building permit

Lifeblood of my business

The Student’s Key to Success

Will pay for itself in one job!

Chief Architect Software helps clients visualize the proposed designs.

Total no brainer

The best home design software we’ve ever used!

By far the best decision I could have ever made!

Featured

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